Word
cognition
Phoneticscog·ni·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/kɑɡˈnɪʃən/
UK/kɒɡnˈɪʃən/
Definitions
01mental process
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. the way your brain works to understand things, remember information, and solve problems.
n. the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. Uncountable in this general psychological sense.
“Scientists are studying how sleep affects cognition and memory in older adults.”
“The research paper explores the relationship between social interaction and the development of higher-order cognition in early childhood.”
Usage
Often used in scientific or psychological contexts to describe the mechanics of the mind.
Synonyms
02a specific thought
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a single thought or a specific result of thinking.
n. a specific product of the cognitive process, such as a thought, belief, or perception. Countable in this specific application.
“The patient recorded every negative cognition they had during the day.”
“Cognitive behavioural therapy aims to identify and challenge distorted cognitions that lead to emotional distress.”
Usage
Commonly used in clinical psychology and philosophy when referring to individual units of thought.
Synonyms
03awareness
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Archaic · Formal
n. the state of knowing or being aware of something.
n. the state of having knowledge or awareness of a fact or situation.
“The judge had full cognition of the facts before making the final decision.”
“The defendant claimed to have no prior cognition of the illegal activities occurring within the firm.”
Teaching tip
This sense is largely archaic or restricted to formal legal contexts; 'awareness' or 'knowledge' is preferred in modern speech.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cognition” in context.
Adjective
01. human cognition
“Researchers are still trying to map the complex neural pathways that facilitate human cognition.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“The more scientists study the brain, the clearer it becomes that cognition is astonishingly energy intensive.” “Cannabis affects behaviour, cognition and psychomotor performance in a dose-dependent way, and complex tasks such as flying are particularly sensitive.” Etymology
From Middle English cognicion, cognicioun from Latin cognitiō (“knowledge, perception, a judicial examination, trial”), from cognitus, past participle of cognoscere (“to know”), from co- (“together”) + *gnoscere, older form of noscere (“to know”); see know, and compare cognize, cognizance, cognizor, cognosce, connoisseur.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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